Disability Parking

Fact checked by Derick Wilder

The City of Chicago offers residential disabled parking signs through an application process — and receives plenty of requests. In 2024, the Chicago Department of Finance received 2,240 applications for disabled parking signs. That same year, the department did not recommend 1,885 of them. Applicants whose requests are not recommended can appeal to the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, which supported the Department of Finance’s decision in nearly 70% of cases in 2024. 

To apply, residents must have a current permanent disabled placard number and pay a $70 application fee. Applications are available online at chicago.gov by searching “residential disabled parking,” or by calling the Department of Finance at (312) 744-7275. Ward offices also provide application forms and guidance on the process.

It can take up to four weeks to receive a mailed confirmation that the application has been processed and is pending a survey. The procedure takes a long time because three departments oversee different aspects of the program: The finance department processes applications and payments, including determining recommendations; the Chicago Department of Transportation handles surveys and installations; and the Mayor’s Office reviews appeals.

Currently, applicants can only submit forms by mail, but the city is working to digitize the process. In Chicago’s suburbs, look for disability information under city services websites. 

Originally published in the Winter/Spring 2026 print issue.